How close can a transfer switch be to a generator?

• <div><p>Generally, you’ll want to keep between <b>60 and 70 feet</b> between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:</p><ul><li><p>The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.</p></li><li><p>It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.</p></li><li><p>Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

What size generator do I need for my house?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">Generator size requirements</a> vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:</p><ul><li><p>1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW</p></li><li><p>1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW</p></li><li><p>2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW</p></li><li><p>2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW</p></li><li><p>3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+</p></li></ul><p>Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.</p></div>

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Q: Can I use a generator to charge a back-up battery?

• <div><p>Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.</p></div>

Q: How close can a transfer switch be to a generator?

• <div><p>Generally, you&rsquo;ll want to keep between <b>60 and 70 feet</b> between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:</p><ul><li><p>The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.</p></li><li><p>It increases efficiency because you won&rsquo;t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.</p></li><li><p>Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: Do I need a permit to install a portable generator?

• <div><p>You may need a permit for a portable generator if you&rsquo;ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.</p></div>

Q: What’s the lifespan of a natural gas generator?

• <div><p>When properly maintained, natural gas generators can last a long time, as much as <b>20 to 40 years</b>. They have relatively few needs compared to generators with other fuel types. However, the generator&rsquo;s lifespan ultimately depends on how often the generator is used and for how long it&rsquo;s left running.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Mapleton, MN

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Mapleton, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Install companies in Mapleton, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

Last update on December 05, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
The salesperson was great. The installers were kind and polite. Most important, the windows are fantastic!
Window Concepts of Minnesota Inc
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Reviewed in March 2024
The installer was prompt, courteous, got the job done efficiently & quietly with excellent results. I was impressed with the service.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in October 2022
Nolan was very prompt. He did a great job of installing our kitchen sink and left everything neat and tidy when he left.
Helget Plumbing Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in June 2020
Northland did a phenomenal job on our fence install. They are fast and professional. Justin and Nick installed the panels in less than 3 hours. We are very impressed with the service that Northland provided and definitely recommend!
Northland Fence Minnesota
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Reviewed in January 2017
It went well. Although we have not seen the new system in action as we are in winter, but the install staff was awesome, efficient and clean.
Complete Basement Systems
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Reviewed in October 2016
We recently had some very heavy rains and as a result of a shoddy installation, we had a considerable amount of water in our basement. The water was about 3 inches deep and ruined the composite flooring and a section of the wall. It was not the window itself that leaked but the result of the...
Your Home Improvement Company, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2014
Very professional, took time to check everything as an update. Willing to meet to discuss new equipment needs and installation. Very impressed with their plumbing work. Will certainly continue to contact for future needs.
McGowan Water Conditioning Inc
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Reviewed in December 2013
Gene's has been doing all of our Audi repair for the last 6 years. This past July they replaced the window regulator in our S4. This is a common issues after a few years. The middle of December the window failed again, even though the normal warranty on repair parts is 90 days, Kip provided...
GENE'S REPAIR
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Reviewed in May 2013
Service was for apartment we own. When I call Roger and Steve, I give them phone numbers for our tenants. They contact tenants to set up service time, and take care of any problems we incur. Then, they send us a bill. Their services are very reasonable, and they can generally take care of...
Jerry's Plumbing Service
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Reviewed in February 2013
My wife and I hired Andrew @ Green Level Construction to install hardwood floors in our upsatairs living room. Andrew showed up on Saterday and the Job was done on Monday. In 3 days the carpet was removed and and hardwood was installed. Andrew is insightful and gives great ideas but also...
Green Level Construction
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Find Generator install pros in Mapleton

Jay's Outdoor Equipment and Repair

4.50(

)

Jay's Outdoor Equipment and Repair

4.50(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We accept cash, check, and major credit cards.

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.

Generally, you’ll want to keep between 60 and 70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:

The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.
It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.
Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window.

You may need a permit for a portable generator if you’ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.

Generator size requirements vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:

1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW
1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW
2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW
2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW
3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+

Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.

When properly maintained, natural gas generators can last a long time, as much as 20 to 40 years. They have relatively few needs compared to generators with other fuel types. However, the generator’s lifespan ultimately depends on how often the generator is used and for how long it’s left running.

The Mapleton, MN homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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